Availability
***We offer two schedules - Pick up time at 6:30am or at 1:00pm. Please select your preference during checkout in the Extra Items section***
We are sorry, this tour is not available to book at the moment
Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour from Panama City
Our Monkey Island tour from Panama City combines a wildlife boat ride on Gatun Lake with a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary, giving you the chance to experience some of Panama's most fascinating wildlife in one day.
Travel from Panama City into the rainforest surrounding the Panama Canal, cruise toward Monkey Island in search of wild monkeys and other animals, and then continue to the Gamboa wildlife exhibits for a closer look at sloths and Panama's extraordinary biodiversity.
Please note: Wildlife on Monkey Island lives freely in its natural environment. Sightings and close encounters can never be guaranteed, although our experienced guides and boat captains will do their best to help you spot animals during the tour.
Table of Contents
- Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour Itinerary
- Monkey Island & Gatun Lake
- Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary
- Butterfly, Orchid & Frog Exhibits
- Tour at a Glance
- What's Included
- What's Not Included
- What to Bring
- Important Tour Information
- Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary FAQ
- More Panama Tours You May Enjoy
- Cancellation Policy
Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour Itinerary
Your guide and driver will meet you at your Panama City accommodation and begin the journey toward Gamboa and Gatun Lake. Along the way, you'll pass through areas connected to the history of the Panama Canal and see the tropical rainforest that surrounds the canal corridor.
After arriving near Gatun Lake, you'll board a local boat and begin the wildlife portion of the tour. The route takes you through waters connected to the Panama Canal, with rainforest on either side and the possibility of seeing large ships traveling through the canal.
Monkey Island & Gatun Lake
The islands and rainforest surrounding Gatun Lake form part of the wildlife-rich Panama Canal watershed, home to numerous species including monkeys, sloths, toucans and other tropical wildlife. Learn more about the area's biodiversity from the Panama Canal Authority.
Several species of monkeys inhabit the region, including mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, Geoffroy's tamarins and owl monkeys. Depending on the day, you may also see sloths, crocodilians, iguanas, turtles, coatis, toucans, parrots and other rainforest wildlife.
Some monkeys may approach the boat, but these are wild animals and their behavior varies. Please follow your guide's instructions and avoid attempting to touch or handle wildlife.
The boat route also gives you a unique perspective of the Panama Canal, where you may see commercial vessels passing through the shipping channel while surrounded by tropical rainforest.
Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary
After the Monkey Island portion of the tour, we'll continue to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, where you'll learn about sloths, their behavior and their role in Panama's rainforest ecosystem.
The sanctuary gives visitors an opportunity to observe both two-toed and three-toed sloths at close range while knowledgeable staff explain the differences between the species and share information about their biology and conservation.
This part of the experience complements the wildlife sightings on Gatun Lake by giving you a closer and more educational look at one of Panama's most iconic animals.
Butterfly House, Orchid Garden & Frog Exhibit
Your visit also includes the nearby Butterfly House, Orchid Garden and Frog Exhibit, all of which showcase more of Panama's remarkable biodiversity.
At the butterfly exhibit, you may see species native to Panama's tropical forests, including the striking Blue Morpho. The orchid and frog exhibits provide additional opportunities to learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this exceptionally biodiverse region.
Together, these exhibits make the tour particularly appealing to families, wildlife enthusiasts and travelers who want to experience more than just the Panama Canal itself.
Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour at a Glance
- Price: $119 per adult
- Children: $109 per child through age 10
- Minimum: 2 guests
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours
- Availability: Daily except Mondays
- Start times: 6:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
- Pickup: Panama City accommodation
- Main experiences: Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Panama Canal boat ride, Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden & Frog Exhibit
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a Monkey Island tour from Panama City that combines wild animal viewing, Panama Canal scenery and the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary in one half-day experience.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Panama City accommodation
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Bilingual English/Spanish guide
- Boat tour through Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal area
- Monkey Island wildlife tour
- Entrance to the Sloth Sanctuary
- Entrance to the Butterfly House
- Entrance to the Orchid Garden and Frog Exhibit
- Applicable entrance fees
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Pickup and drop-off outside central Panama City unless the appropriate transfer option is selected during checkout
Additional transfer charges may apply for areas such as Playa Bonita, Costa del Este and Tocumen. Please select the appropriate pickup option when booking.
What to Bring on Your Monkey Island Tour
- Comfortable lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Camera or phone
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Insect repellent
- Cash for gratuities and personal expenses
Sun protection: Lightweight protective clothing and a hat are recommended during the boat portion of the tour.
Important Information for Your Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour
Wildlife Sightings
Monkey Island is a natural wildlife area, not a zoo. Although monkeys are frequently seen, specific species, numbers of animals and close encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Weather
Panama's rainforest climate can change quickly. Light rain is common throughout the year, and the tour generally operates in normal tropical weather conditions. Routes and timing may be adjusted if conditions require it.
Departure Times
This tour is offered at 6:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Please select your preferred departure time during checkout and follow the exact pickup time provided in your booking confirmation.
Cash
We recommend carrying some cash for gratuities and personal purchases, as card payment options can be limited in the Gamboa area.
Last-Minute Bookings
Reservations made after 6:00 PM for the following day are subject to confirmation. Please wait for explicit confirmation from our booking team before considering a last-minute reservation confirmed.
Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour FAQ
What wildlife can I see on Monkey Island?
You may see several monkey species, including capuchins, howler monkeys and tamarins, as well as birds, sloths, iguanas, turtles and occasionally crocodilians. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because the animals live freely in their natural habitat.
Will I definitely see sloths?
Wild sloth sightings around Gatun Lake cannot be guaranteed. The Sloth Sanctuary portion of the tour, however, gives you an opportunity to observe sloths at close range and learn about the species from knowledgeable staff.
How long is the tour?
The complete experience, including transportation from Panama City, normally lasts approximately five hours. Travel time may vary depending on traffic and your pickup location.
What time does the tour start?
The Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour is offered at 6:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Please select your preferred departure time during checkout.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes. The combination of wildlife, a boat ride and educational animal exhibits makes this tour suitable for families and children. Parents should supervise younger children around boats and wildlife at all times.
Does the tour include the Panama Canal?
Yes. The boat portion takes place in the Gatun Lake and Panama Canal area, giving you the opportunity to experience canal scenery and potentially see large ships using the waterway.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included in the standard Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour.
More Panama Tours You May Enjoy
Want to explore more of Panama? Browse our Panama City tours for additional wildlife, cultural and Panama Canal experiences.
For an extended Gamboa experience that also includes an aerial tram ride and lunch, consider our Aerial Tram, Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour.
You can also experience Panama's Caribbean islands on our San Blas Day Tour.
Cancellation Policy
Please read our Tour Cancellation Policy before booking.
×
TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
Tao Travel 365 strives to deliver the best possible customer experience. If at any point you have a question or concern about our service, please call us by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or email us at sales@taotravel365.tours.
The following cancellation policy applies only for Day Tours (DOES NOT apply for Multi-Day Tours).
TOUR POLICIES
Due to the nature of our business, the logistics involved with organizing tours and the high reservation demand following refund policies apply:
- 100% refund less credit card processing fees will only be granted if booked via our website www.taotravel365.tours AND if canceled more than 24 hours before the start of the tour.
- No refund will be granted for cancellations received less than 24 hours before the tour start date.
All sales are final.
For bookings made through outside portals such as Viator, Expedia or Airbnb, please refer to the cancellation policy of the portal through which you booked.
If you are unable to realize the reservation, contact us as soon as possible and we will try to arrange and reschedule the same or a different tour.
If you are not at the designated meeting point by the time of your scheduled reservation or pickup, Tao Travel 365 reserves the right not to provide a refund. However, we will always try our best to locate you at the meeting point and contact the WhatsApp number provided with your booking.
CANCELED OR POSTPONED TOURS
Occasionally, tours are canceled or postponed due to weather conditions, mechanical failure or other unforeseen events. Should this occur, we will attempt to contact you and inform you of the applicable refund or exchange procedures.
REFUNDS
All sales are final. No refunds are available unless a tour is canceled or postponed, or we receive more than 24 hours advance notice. We will refund the tour price paid for tours canceled or postponed by Tao Travel 365. No refunds are offered on payment processing or convenience fees.
To request a refund for a canceled or postponed tour, contact us at sales@taotravel365.tours within 2 days of the tour cancellation and write "refund" in the subject line.
TOUR EXCHANGES
Tour exchanges are not generally offered by Tao Travel 365. In exceptional circumstances, such as a cancellation by Tao Travel 365, an exchange may be possible but is not guaranteed. Contact us directly to inquire. Fees may apply.
